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Director Science Communication Jobs in Portland, OR

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. * 10+ years of ... Trusted communicator and influencer with executive-level presentation skills and the ability to ...

A Master's degree or further advanced degree in counseling or one of the social sciences from an ... Good verbal and written communication skills; Great attendance; Ability to work well with others.

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Director Science Communication information

See Portland, OR salary details

$85.4K

$118.6K

$152.7K

How much do director science communication jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for director science communication in Portland, OR is $118,645.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,900.00 and $132,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of science communication do?

A Director of Science Communication leads efforts to convey scientific concepts and research findings to a variety of audiences, including the public, media, policymakers, and internal stakeholders. They develop and oversee communication strategies, manage a team of communicators or writers, and ensure that complex scientific information is accurately and effectively translated for non-experts. Their role often includes media relations, public outreach, and collaboration with scientists to craft clear messaging. Additionally, they may handle crisis communications and represent their organization at public events or in the press.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of science communication?

To thrive as a Director of Science Communication, you need advanced expertise in scientific disciplines, outstanding writing and presentation skills, and a relevant degree—often at the graduate level—in science or communications. Familiarity with digital communication platforms, media relations, and data visualization tools is typically required, along with experience managing communication campaigns. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex research for various audiences are vital soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure scientific information is accurately and effectively conveyed to stakeholders and the public, promoting understanding and support for scientific initiatives.

How does a director of science communication typically collaborate with research teams and external stakeholders?

A Director of Science Communication works closely with research teams to translate complex scientific findings into accessible messages for various audiences. This often involves attending project meetings, reviewing research outputs, and identifying key insights to share. The role also requires building relationships with external stakeholders such as media outlets, policymakers, and community organizations to ensure the organization's scientific achievements are accurately represented and widely disseminated. Effective collaboration and communication skills are crucial, as the director often acts as a bridge between scientists and the broader public.

What is the difference between Director Science Communication vs Science Writer?

AspectDirector Science CommunicationScience Writer
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in science or communication, experience in leadership rolesBachelor's or master's in science, journalism, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, develops strategic communication plans, collaborates with stakeholdersResearches, writes, and edits scientific content for various media
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, science organizations, corporationsMedia outlets, scientific publications, freelance platforms

The main difference is that the Director Science Communication oversees communication strategies and manages teams, while the Science Writer focuses on creating scientific content. The director has a broader leadership role, whereas the writer specializes in content creation and storytelling within the science field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Science Communication jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Science Communication jobs in Portland, OR are:

Eligible for Endowed Chair - Faculty Physician, Thoracic (Associate/Professor)

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

163rd of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is seeking a highly-qualified translational or clinical researcher in Lung Cancer and Thoracic Malignancies for the Knight Cancer Institute.  

The successful candidate will ensure the university's mission and goals of research, patient care, teaching, outreach, and public service are met. Keys for the successful candidate shall include being a Clinical or translational physician-investigator with the intellectual vision to develop and expand lung cancer research at the Knight Cancer Institute.

This position is eligible for an endowment from the Wayne D. & Joan E. Kuni Foundation. The successful applicant for this position will be nominated for this endowment, subject to OHSU policies governing such appointments, including length and term of the appointment, and subject to approval by the Dean of the School of Medicine and the OHSU Provost.

Function/Duties of Position

The Endowed Chair will serve as a prominent physician-investigator and strategic leader tasked with driving the clinical, translational, and research expansion of the Thoracic, Head & Neck Oncology program. Backed by immediate access to substantial endowment funding, the incoming Chair will bridge the Knight Cancer Institute's appetite for cutting-edge innovation with a scalable vision-expanding OHSU's regional market footprint, elevating its national research prominence, and accelerating the delivery of next-generation therapies to patients.

 

Core Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership & Programmatic Expansion (50% Allocation)
    • Co-Direct the Comprehensive Lung Program: In collaboration with the thoracic program director, formulate and execute a cohesive, long-term strategic plan for the Thoracic, Head & Neck service line across the Knight Cancer Institute.
    • Cultivate Institutional Collaborations: Break down silos by building robust partnerships between basic science laboratories, translational research teams, and clinical operations to elevate the program to national prominence.
    • Drive Clinical & Trial Growth: Coordinate closely with health system executives and community partners to scale clinical operations, optimize patient referral pathways, and expand the portfolio of open clinical trials.
    • Financial & Resource Stewardship: Manage assigned endowment funds, divisional research space, and program budgets sustainably, aligning resource allocation with high-impact scientific and clinical targets.
  • Clinical Excellence & Patient Care
    • Provide exceptional, patient-centered care for individuals with lung, thoracic, and head/neck malignancies.
    • Maintain a dedicated clinical presence in alignment with Division and Institute objectives, modeling best practices in multidisciplinary, complex tumor board navigation.
  • Research, Scholarship & Innovation
    • Establish an Innovative Portfolio: Maintain a distinguished, actively funded clinical or translational research program focused on the causes, early detection, or treatment of thoracic and head/neck cancers.
    • Advance Clinical Research: Commit a minimum of 50% of programmatic efforts to expanding the investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored clinical trial portfolio.
    • Serve as a principal investigator or mentor on major institutional grants, fostering a culture of peer-reviewed publication and continuous scientific discovery.
  • Education, Mentorship & Public Service
    • Actively participate in the education and mentorship of medical students, residents, and hematology/oncology fellows in accordance with guidelines from the Curriculum Committee and Department Chair.
    • Champion a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for faculty, staff, trainees, and patients.
    • Represent OHSU and the Knight Cancer Institute on national committees, advisory councils, and via consultative outreach to non-university public health groups.
    • Position Qualifications & Competencies

    The role includes a balanced portfolio of clinical care, research, teaching, and inpatient service responsibilities.

    Required Qualifications
    • MD, MD/Ph.D., or equivalent
    • Must qualify for the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor at OHSU
    • M.D. board certification in medical oncology
    • Eligibility to obtain a license to practice medicine in Oregon
    Preferred Qualifications

    The ideal candidate will be a visionary and collaborative leader with a strong record of scientific achievement and program development. Key attributes include:

    • National or international recognition in lung cancer research, with a strong publication and funding record
    • Demonstrated success leading clinical and/or translational research programs
    • Experience designing and conducting clinical trials
    • Proven ability to build or expand programs within an NCI-designated cancer center
    • Commitment to multidisciplinary, patient-centered care
    • Excellence in clinical practice
    • Strong leadership, communication, and partnership-building skills
    • Experience with programmatic growth, financial stewardship, and strategic planning
    • Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic medicine
    Additional Details

    As an OHSU faculty member, you will have access to robust, competitive benefits for well-being and peace of mind. Packages include medical, dental, and vision plans, generous paid time off, multiple retirement options, participation in the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, wellness support, and more. 

    You'll also find a commitment to belonging. OHSU welcomes diverse people and ideas, and we foster a culture that is inclusive, equitable, and accepting of all. We aim to help you: 

    • Feel supported. 
    • Explore well-being programs and resources. 
    • Connect with colleagues to share and build knowledge. 
    • Find fulfillment by balancing work, life and community. 

    #linkedin #indeed #knightcancerjobs#knightfacultyjobs#knightproviderjobs 

    Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

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    About Oregon Health & Science University

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

    Industry

    Colleges, universities, and professional schools

    Company size

    10,000+ Employees

    Headquarters location

    Portland, OR, US

    Year founded

    1887